Mentors & Investors
Peaches Kemp
itsa
PEACHES KEMP co-founded Itsa with her sister Domini in 1999. Having started with one bagel shop 16 years ago, the Kemps now have 17 outlets including itsa at the Irish Museum of Modern Art, itsa at The Hugh Lane Gallery, The Tearooms at Dublin Castle, and itsa@Harvey Nichols.
Rena Maycock
Cilter
Rena Maycock is the founder / CEO of Cilter, a technology startup developing child protection software for smartphones that detects/blocks cyberbullying, grooming and suicide/self-harm in user-generated content on messaging apps and browsers.
Conor Murphy
Bridge
CONNOR MURPHY is the CEO of Bridge with a background in computer science, startups, venture capital, and management consulting. He was previously CEO and Founder of Datahug which exited to Nasdaq listed Callidus Cloud (Nasdaq:CALD) and is now part of SAP. Prior to Datahug, Connor worked with PA Consulting Group in London, New York and Washington DC.
Chupi Sweetman
Chupi
CHUPI SWEETMAN founder of Chupi. After a decade of working in the giants of commercial fashion, Chupi founded her eponymous jewellery line in 2013. Her creative and strategic vision has scaled Chupi to a luxury jewellery brand selling into 65 countries.
MARK BROSNAN, CEO & Co-founder, Getvisibility, has a track record in building SaaS and enterprise based product companies. Mark has extensive experience in developing, deploying and operating enterprise grade software platforms. Mark spent 9 years as CEO of Xanadu, which builds and supports highly sophisticated, highly transactional data driven platforms, utilising AI and advanced analytics. Mark has a keen understanding of what it takes to build complex enterprise grade solutions for emerging problem sets. Managing and controlling unstructured data at scale is a problem set that Mark and the team at Getvisibilty are solving with AI based distributed computing.
Mark Brosnan
Getvisibility
MARK BROSNAN, CEO & Co-founder, Getvisibility, has a track record in building SaaS and enterprise based product companies. Mark has extensive experience in developing, deploying and operating enterprise grade software platforms. Mark spent 9 years as CEO of Xanadu, which builds and supports highly sophisticated, highly transactional data driven platforms, utilising AI and advanced analytics.
SHANE CURRAN is Founder & CEO of Evervault. Founded in June 2018 when Mr Curran was 18 years old, Evervault is focused on building a ground-breaking data-privacy interface that developers can use when creating software. Evervault has its origins in a BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition project, qCrypt, which involved research in cryptography and data privacy. Mr Curran won top prize in the 2017 competition. In 2020 Evervault raised $16 million (€13.2 million) from some of the biggest names in Silicon Valley, & intend to grow employee numbers by about 20 people over the next year.
Shane Curran
Evervault
SHANE CURRAN is Founder & CEO of Evervault. Founded in June 2018 when Mr Curran was 18 years old, Evervault is focused on building a ground-breaking data-privacy interface that developers can use when creating software. Evervault has its origins in a BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition project, qCrypt, which involved research in cryptography and data privacy. Mr Curran won top prize in the 2017 competition.
JIM BARRY is the Managing Director of Barry Group, one of Ireland’s most respected wholesale distribution groups. The company employs over 230 people at its state of the art headquarters in Mallow, Co. Cork. Under Jim’s vision and leadership, Barry Group has grown from a once local business to a leading wholesale distribution company. Trading both nationally and internationally and supplying over 1,000 customers; Barry Group manages 265 franchises under the Costcutter, Carry Out Off Licence, and Quik Pick symbols. Jim was listed as a finalist in the EY, Entrepreneur of the year awards in 2010. Barry Group was listed as one of Deloitte’s Best Managed Companies in 2010 and has been reaccredited every year since then. Barry Group was named as a Great Place To Work in 2015 and Jim was honoured to be named ‘Irelands Most Trusted Leader’ at the 2015 Great Place To Work Awards.
Jim Barry
Barry Group
JIM BARRY is the Managing Director of Barry Group, one of Ireland’s most respected wholesale distribution groups. The company employs over 230 people at its state of the art headquarters in Mallow, Co. Cork.
DENISE TORMEY has held leadership positions with PlanNet21 Communications, Videnda, 3play Plus, Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC). As President and co-founder of PlanNet21, she has been responsible for leading global expansions into Europe and USA, establishing strategic international partnerships, building the high performing teams and delivering agile and intelligent technology solutions to enterprises. She is an accomplished Leader and Entrepreneur with more than 21 years of success spanning information technology, finance, life science, and manufacturing Sectors. Often described as a whirlwind, extremely passionate and innovative, Denise bootstrapped her company to a hugely successful global technology provider which enables businesses transform their IT. She has spearheaded diversifications from enterprise networking into Cyber Security, Cloud & Data Centre, AI, Machine learning and Collaboration Solutions.
Denise Tormey
PlanNet21
DENISE TORMEY has held leadership positions with PlanNet21 Communications, Videnda, 3play Plus, Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC).
Rosanne Longmore is the CEO of Coroflo, a company which has developed and patented the world’s first accurate breastfeeding monitor. Coroflo have raised €4m investment and have won numerous innovation and technology awards.
Prior to Coroflo, Rosanne worked in financial services for 15 years, working across different business units including wealth management and client service operations. Having qualified from the University of Limerick, Rosanne completed further industry qualifications with the Institute of Project Management and the Institute of Bankers.
Rosanne Longmore
Coroflo
Rosanne Longmore is the CEO of Coroflo, a company which has developed and patented the world’s first accurate breastfeeding monitor. Coroflo have raised €4m investment and have won numerous innovation and technology awards.
PATRICK RYAN is an experienced entrepreneur, investor, advisor and board member with an interest in technology, financial services, regulatory compliance and social impact. Patrick was born and raised in Dublin and has lived in London, Amsterdam, Hong Kong and Los Angeles over the past 30 years. Patrick has a wide range of interests and is an investor in, advisor to and/or board member of a number of high tech, smartcity, mobility, regtech and fintech companies in Amsterdam, Dublin, Cork, London and New York, as well as interests in web3 development in Amsterdam and Bali and a high-end electric guitar manufacturer in Nashville, Tennessee. Patrick is also an Investment Partner at Amsterdam-based Great Stuff Ventures and a member of the HBAN investor network in Ireland. Patrick is also an investor in PYMWYMIC, a Dutch social impact investment coop and was a member of their inaugural Investment Committee.
Patrick Ryan
Great Stuff Ventures
PATRICK RYAN is an experienced entrepreneur, investor, advisor and board member with an interest in technology, financial services, regulatory compliance and social impact. Patrick was born and raised in Dublin and has lived in London, Amsterdam, Hong Kong and Los Angeles over the past 30 years.
BRIAN CROWLEY is the CEO of The TTM Group, one of Ireland’s largest recruitment companies, TTM Healthcare, and also its service delivery subsidiary Resilience Healthcare, one of Ireland’s largest providers of complex home care. Employing 200 permanent staff and over 800 contractors, TTM Group are projected to generate revenues in excess of €50m in 2015. TTM Group operate internationally through offices in the UK, Germany and the Middle East supplying temporary and permanent workforce solutions to both the private and public sector. Brian was a member of the judging panel for Irelands Best Young Entrepreneur (www.ibye.ie) and also sits on the implementation committee for the Government’s Entrepreneurship Strategy. Brian was a former Irish boxing international and currently mentors young start-up companies and also one of our international Rugby stars. Brian was a finalist in the international category of the EY Entrepreneur of the Year programme, 2014.
Brian Crowley
TTM Group
BRIAN CROWLEY is the CEO of The TTM Group, one of Ireland’s largest recruitment companies, TTM Healthcare, and also its service delivery subsidiary Resilience Healthcare, one of Ireland’s largest providers of complex home care.
TOM GANNON is an entrepreneur who has gained significant experience in the food & drinks industry over the last 20 years and has held various sales and marketing roles, most notably within the Richmond Marketing business. There he worked with a variety of premium brands including Red Bull, Peroni and Hendricks Gin. Tom co-founded Fulfil Nutrition vitamin and protein bars in 2014 and launched it in January 2016. The business became a phenomenal success almost from day 1. In its first year of trading it sold in excess of 13 million bars. In its second year the brand sold over 25m bars and the Fulfil brand became one of Irelands top 50 brands outstripping household brands like Kellogg’s Corn Flakes, Colgate & Bachelors. In late 2018 after another year of strong sales growth and commercial success Tom and the other co-founder Niall McGrath agreed to sell their shareholding. The pair are in the process of setting up a new brand which they hope will transform the healthy eating and snacking space which will launch in Q3 of 2019. Tom is also currently involved in a variety of other entrepreneurial projects and startup companies as an investor, director and mentor.
Tom Gannon
Richmond Marketing Business
TOM GANNON is an entrepreneur who has gained significant experience in the food & drinks industry over the last 20 years and has held various sales and marketing roles, most notably within the Richmond Marketing business.
DAMIEN KENNEDY co-founder of the Wheyhey brand, UK start-up of the year in 2016. Named as a game changer in Foodtech by Forbes magazine. Damien is co-founder & CEO of a brand holding company: groceriX: which develops, manufactures & markets cpg brands such as Wheyhey, MyProtein, Furocity & private label products for retailers in the UK, Europe and the US. Damien is an FMCG industry advisor to PE houses such as Afendis Capital and Davidson Kempner Capital. Damien is co-founder of fashion & jewellery brands ‘frkl.’ and ‘Tranquillity jewellery’. Alongside Angela Scanlon, the brands launched via e-commerce and modern retail channels – the brands are ranged in retailers such as Brown Thomas &, Selfridges.
Damien Kennedy
Wheyhey
DAMIEN KENNEDY co-founder of the Wheyhey brand, UK start-up of the year in 2016. Named as a game changer in Foodtech by Forbes magazine. Damien is co-founder & CEO of a brand holding company: groceriX: which develops, manufactures & markets cpg brands such as Wheyhey, MyProtein, Furocity & private label products for retailers in the UK, Europe and the US.
DAVID MAGUIRE, Founder & CEO, BNRG, is an environmental scientist by profession and is 25 years in the environmental and renewable energy sectors. Prior to founding BNRG in 2007, he spent over 13 years as an environmental consultant in the private and public sectors, including running the R&D division of the Environmental Protection Agency in Ireland. David is a founder member of the European solar trade body, AFASE and until recently, chair of the Irish solar trade body, ISEA since 2013. BNRG is a global renewable energy company that develops, constructs and owns and operates utility scale solar plants in Ireland, the UK, USA and Australia. The Company is renowned being an early mover in many markets in Europe and the US and has developed a reputation for building best in class assets. To date BNRG has developed over 350 megawatts of solar projects across the globe and is working on a development pipeline in the order of 3 gigawatts. BNRG expects to deploy circa $500m in capital over the next 3 years on construction.
David Maguire
BNRG
DAVID MAGUIRE, Founder & CEO, BNRG, is an environmental scientist by profession and is 25 years in the environmental and renewable energy sectors. Prior to founding BNRG in 2007, he spent over 13 years as an environmental consultant in the private and public sectors, including running the R&D division of the Environmental Protection Agency in Ireland.
TOM GANNON is an entrepreneur who has gained significant experience in the food & drinks industry over the last 20 years and has held various sales and marketing roles, most notably within the Richmond Marketing business. There he worked with a variety of premium brands including Red Bull, Peroni and Hendricks Gin. Tom co-founded Fulfil Nutrition vitamin and protein bars in 2014 and launched it in January 2016. The business became a phenomenal success almost from day 1. In its first year of trading it sold in excess of 13 million bars. In its second year the brand sold over 25m bars and the Fulfil brand became one of Irelands top 50 brands outstripping household brands like Kellogg’s Corn Flakes, Colgate & Bachelors. In late 2018 after another year of strong sales growth and commercial success Tom and the other co-founder Niall McGrath agreed to sell their shareholding. The pair are in the process of setting up a new brand which they hope will transform the healthy eating and snacking space which will launch in Q3 of 2019. Tom is also currently involved in a variety of other entrepreneurial projects and startup companies as an investor, director and mentor.
Stephen Nolan
Nutritics
STEPHEN NOLAN is CEO of Nutritics, a SaaS food tech business that enables hospitality operators run safer, more sustainable and more profitable businesses. Their software helps businesses unlock the hidden value of food data, to manage recipes, create labels, plan meals, publish menus and measure their environmental impact.
TDARA O’MAHONY founded Dome Telecom in 2000. Dome offers retail, wholesale and proprietary telephony solutions to a broad range of customers including the UN defence forces on overseas missions in Africa, Middle East and Eastern Europe. Dome now focuses almost exclusively on the international wholesale market with bilateral agreements across the US, India, Central Africa and the Middle East. Prior to founding Dome Telecom Dara joined Denis O’Brien’s Esat Telecom and was co-founder (with Mark Roden) of Torc Telecom in 1998. Dara is also an investor and advisory board member of a number of early stage companies including Biotricity (Biomass energy plant), Roomex.com (hotel reservations) and was a founding investor in Startup Bootcamp in 2011 alongside SOSv and a number of other private investors. Dara recently funded and joined the board of VT Networks, Irelands only dedicated IOT network infrastructure.
Dara O'Mahony
Dome Telecom
DARA O’MAHONY founded Dome Telecom in 2000. Dome offers retail, wholesale and proprietary telephony solutions to a broad range of customers including the UN defence forces on overseas missions in Africa, Middle East and Eastern Europe. Dome now focuses almost exclusively on the international wholesale market with bilateral agreements across the US, India, Central Africa and the Middle East.
TERESA CHAMBERS has been an Angel Investor with the Boole Investment Syndicate for over seven years. She is a Partner at Nadeena Executive Search, supporting critical people choices for appointment to C-Suite, Equity Partner, Senior Director and Non-Executive roles. As a Business Coach, she focuses on Wealth Creation through transformation, for business owners and global business leaders. Teresa’s sound business acumen is underscored by her deep experience in leadership roles in several multinational companies spanning over 20 years. Teresa has served at director level in major Pharmaceutical organisations where she led large operations and strategy remits across multiple international locations. Teresa holds a degree in Engineering (Hons) from University of Galway. She enjoys working with people at all levels, has Leadership and Coaching qualifications and is an MBTI Certified Practitioner. She has invested in, mentored and coached several startup companies.hest accredited contract laboratory, providing sampling and analysis and transfer their own fully trained analysts and laboratory personnel and managed services to the MedTech, pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, food and environmental sectors. The company specialise in quality assurance and testing in the microbiological, analytical, medical and cell therapy testing and validation spaces. CLS partner with over 600+ national and international clients, supported by 240 employees across three locations – Ros Muc in Galway; Galway City, Bray in Wicklow. Evelyn is Chairperson of the West Regional Enterprise Plan, EY Entrepreneur of the Year judge, Irish MedTech Association Board member and Cancer Care West support centre committee member. She received an Honorary Doctorate from NUI Galway and Fellowship from GMIT and won the 2017 Industry EY Entrepreneur of the Year.
Teresa Chambers
Angel Investor
TERESA CHAMBERS has been an Angel Investor with the Boole Investment Syndicate for over seven years. She is a Partner at Nadeena Executive Search, supporting critical people choices for appointment to C-Suite, Equity Partner, Senior Director and Non-Executive roles.
GRAINNE KELLY is the CEO and inventor of BubbleBum UK Ltd, manufacturer of the worlds first inflatable car booster seat for kids. BubbleBum was founded in December 2009 and has rocketed to success, winning major worldwide awards. The product is now for sale in 26 countries globally with major stores such as Walmart, Target, Tesco, Boots, Halfords, Migros, Naurauto and Aubert. Without the aid of a PR company, in Oct 2012 BubbleBum featured on the front page of the USAToday, The Wall Street Journal and on major national channels such as RTE, BBC, CBS News and Fox. Grainne has already been named the Belfast Telegraph Business Woman of the Year 2010, EY Entrepreneur of the year finalist 2011 and Women In Business Award winner 2013.
Grainne Kelly
BubbleBum UK Ltd
GRAINNE KELLY is the CEO and inventor of BubbleBum UK Ltd, manufacturer of the worlds first inflatable car booster seat for kids. BubbleBum was founded in December 2009 and has rocketed to success, winning major worldwide awards. The product is now for sale in 26 countries globally with major stores such as Walmart, Target, Tesco, Boots, Halfords, Migros, Naurauto and Aubert.
AOIBHEANN O’BRIEN is Co-founder at FoodCloud which tackle foodwaste by connecting food businesses with local Charities & Community Groups, providing an environmentally sensitive alternative to throwing away perfectly good food. Aoibheann previously worked at ERM within the transaction services team where she carried out environmental, health, safety and social due diligence on financial transactions across a variety of sectors including mining, oil & gas, power, manufacturing and infrastructure. Previously Aoibheann worked at JPMorgan, London where she completed an internship, followed by their graduate program and went on to work within the Global Environmental & Social Risk Management team, assessing environmental and social risks associated with transactions in mining, oil and gas, carbon, power, forestry, cement, agriculture, manufacturing and infrastructure.
Aoibeann O'Brien
FoodCloud
AOIBHEANN O’BRIEN is Co-founder at FoodCloud which tackle foodwaste by connecting food businesses with local Charities & Community Groups, providing an environmentally sensitive alternative to throwing away perfectly good food.
PÁDRAIG Ó CÉIDIGH, a fluent Irish speaker had careers in accountancy, teaching and as a solicitor. He is also a Harvard University Alumni. In 1994, he saw an opportunity to develop a struggling business in the local community when he became part owner of Aer Arann, then serving the three Aran Islands. Ó Céidigh went on to develop Aer Arann into one of the fastest growing regional airlines in the world. Passenger numbers rose to over 1.1 million in 2007 and Aer Arann has won several awards (including the Palme d’Or for Airline of the Year in 2006). It now operates several regional European and domestic routes, including a successful franchise arrangement with Aer Lingus. Pádraig was named EY Irish Entrepreneur of the Year in 2002. Subsequently he was a member of the 2004 and 2005 World Entrepreneur of the Year judging panels and he continues his association as Chair of the judging panel for the Irish awards. Pádraig is Adjunct Professor of Entrepreneurship and Business in NUIG and Chairman of Fáilte Ireland West.
Pádraig Ó'Céidigh
Aer Arann
PÁDRAIG Ó CÉIDIGH, a fluent Irish speaker had careers in accountancy, teaching and as a solicitor. He is also a Harvard University Alumni. In 1994, he saw an opportunity to develop a struggling business in the local community when he became part owner of Aer Arann, then serving the three Aran Islands.
COLUM O’SULLIVAN (Sully) completed a BSc degree in Food Business in UCC in 1999. Having spent 4 years working with Musgrave Group in their Operations department, he left to set up Cully & Sully in September 2004 with Cullen Allen from Ballymaloe House. Cully & Sully supply over 1,500 shops nationwide, and is exporting to both France and the UK. All Cully and Sully recipes originate from Ballymaloe House and all of the food is produced in Ireland using all Irish beef, lamb & chicken. Cully & Sully were finalists in the 2007 EY Entrepreneur of the Year awards and the Shell Livewire awards. Cully & Sully won the Meteor Best Local Producer awards and were the first Irish company to win a category award at the Sial d’Or awards in Shanghai. The company went on win the Global Sial d’Or award in Paris, beating 248 products from 30 countries all over the world. Cully & Sully was sold to US based Hain Celestial Group in 2012.
Colum O'Sullivan
Cully & Sully
COLUM O’SULLIVAN (Sully) completed a BSc degree in Food Business in UCC in 1999. Having spent 4 years working with Musgrave Group in their Operations department, he left to set up Cully & Sully in September 2004 with Cullen Allen from Ballymaloe House.
PETE SMYTH is founder and CEO of Broadlake a private investment company focused on investing in established and growing SMEs. Broadlake manages €100m of family capital, investing €1-10m in ambitious businesses. Pre Broadlake Pete was CEO of Noonan Services Group where he led the Group through a period of high growth culminating in the sale of the business in 2008. At the time it was one of Ireland largest Service companies employing 5,500 people. Former life experiences include periods in Private Equity and Investment Banking – Grown cynical of both. More importantly he is a Father of 4, Husband of 1, Lapsed Sailor, Thinker, Dreamer and above all an Optimist, Entrepreneur at heart and always looking for the next great company to work with…. @BroadlakePete
Pete Smyth
Broadlake
PETE SMYTH is founder and CEO of Broadlake a private investment company focused on investing in established and growing SMEs. Broadlake manages €100m of family capital, investing €1-10m in ambitious businesses.
JIM BREEN founded PulseLearning in 1999 and is the driving force behind the company’s high standards of excellence and rapid progression as a globally dominant eLearning organization. Providing strategic direction and motivation for PulseLearning’s future development, Jim keeps employees, investors, and business partners focused on exceeding customers’ goals. Deloitte ranked PulseLearning as the fastest growing technology company on the island of Ireland and Jim was shortlisted for the EY Entrepreneur of the Year award. He graduated from the Executive Development program at Stanford University in California. In 2010, Jim joined the board of CorkBIC and also founded TriGrandPrix, an international triathlon events company, in the same year. In 2012, he established Cycle Against Suicide, a charity focused on reducing the number of lives lost to suicide in Ireland.
Jim Breen
PulseLearning
JIM BREEN founded PulseLearning in 1999 and is the driving force behind the company’s high standards of excellence and rapid progression as a globally dominant eLearning organization.
Andrew O'Shaughnessy
Poppulo
Andrew is an innovator with a passionate belief in the power of communications to transform how people work. It inspired Poppulo to become the global leader in internal communications, working with the world’s biggest brands to unlock the power of their people.
DAMIEN MCGOVERN is a consultant to the software company he founded in 2000, Compliance & Risks, and which was sold in 2021. Along the way he handed over the CEO role to somebody he felt better able to protect his family equity. He waited far too long to put a strong board in place, wasted money, and experienced first-hand that companies only succeed as a team, each member with their own superpower. He has lots of scar tissue, and counts regular psychological therapy as one of the best decisions he ever made. Compliance and Risks now employs more than 110 great people all striving to make C&R’s ‘C2P’, the world’s best product compliance platform of regulations and standards. Clients need uninterrupted market access for their products. Buyers, both individual and corporate, are increasingly looking beyond products into the souls and characters of the leaders who run businesses, to see, for example, if they are Climate-First or Growth-First. Whether C2P can evolve to support the transparency required to match the values of Buyers with the virtues of sellers remains to be seen.
Damien McGovern
Compliance & Risks
DAMIEN MCGOVERN is a consultant to the software company he founded in 2000, Compliance & Risks, and which was sold in 2021. Along the way he handed over the CEO role to somebody he felt better able to protect his family equity. He waited far too long to put a strong board in place, wasted money, and experienced first-hand that companies only succeed as a team, each member with their own superpower.
Mary McKenna, Managing Director of Tour America, has been working in the travel sector for almost 30 years. Having gained valuable experience in both the airline and travel agency business Mary decided in 1995 it was time to make a go of it herself setting up Tour America from home with a team of 3. Tour America has continued to buck the trend by growing throughout the recession now employing over 50 people in Dublin and Cork with a turnover of over €20 million. Constantly innovating, Tour America recently launched Luxury Cruises & Honeymoon Finders. The company also operates Cruise Holidays, which is the largest company selling cruises in Ireland, and was set up following 9/11. Mary was delighted to win the “Deloitte Best Managed Company Gold Award (Platinum) again in 2016, for the 7th year in a row. Tour America is the only travel agent in Ireland to have won a Deloitte Best Managed Company.
Mary McKenna
Tour America
Mary McKenna, Managing Director of Tour America, has been working in the travel sector for almost 30 years. Having gained valuable experience in both the airline and travel agency business Mary decided in 1995 it was time to make a go of it herself setting up Tour America from home with a team of 3.
ASIER RUFINO, CEO of Tecnalia Ventures, has previously worked as a management consultant for Accenture, BNP Paribas and The Parthenon Group. More recently Asier has focused on entrepreneurship and innovation by providing business development, strategy and coaching services to start-ups and SMEs and is a board member (Chairman in one of them) of a number of start-ups. Asier worked at the Basque Institute of Competitiveness (Orkestra) in projects such as the launch of Business Angels Crecer+, the most successful business angel network in the Basque Country. Asier is the co-founder and member of the investment committee of Microwave Ventures, a seed capital fund focusing on software and internet investments. He also coaches new ventures in the Executive MBA of the Deusto Business School. Asier holds an MBA from London Business School / Sloan MIT and has a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration from the Basque Country University in Spain.
Asier Rufino
Tecnalia
ASIER RUFINO, CEO of Tecnalia Ventures, has previously worked as a management consultant for Accenture, BNP Paribas and The Parthenon Group. More recently Asier has focused on entrepreneurship and innovation by providing business development, strategy and coaching services to start-ups and SMEs and is a board member (Chairman in one of them) of a number of start-ups.
JOHN STANLEY leads the Development and Operations team of GlobeTech and has over 30 years’ experience in Software Development and management of advanced technical teams across a range of companies including Apple and Motorola. John is responsible for leading all aspects of GlobeTech’s product solutions, and directing the long-term technical strategy. This includes ActiveConnex, an Events Management solution used at many major events such as the London Olympics, Glastonbury, plus major US events for Microsoft, Salesforce, Walmart etc. Prior to co-founding GlobeTech with Kevin Kelly, John was Director for OMC Development at Motorola, managing over 250 software engineers developing solutions for GSM Phone Networks. During his time in Apple, he formed an R&D team doing software testing on Macintosh software, and grew to over 200 people and developed many software and hardware products for the European market.
John Stanley
GlobeTech
JOHN STANLEY leads the Development and Operations team of GlobeTech and has over 30 years’ experience in Software Development and management of advanced technical teams across a range of companies including Apple and Motorola.
NIALL MCGRATH is an entrepreneur who has gained significant experience in the food & drinks industry over the last 20 years and is best known for Co-Founding of Fulfil Nutrition vitamin and protein bars and the Cali Cali Foods brands. Niall was the Marketing Director of Red Bull for the Richmond Marketing business and was short listed for Marketer of the Year in 2017. He also worked with a variety of premium brands including Vit Hit, Peroni and Hendricks Gin. In 2014 Niall co-founded Fulfil Nutrition with Tom Gannon and launched in January 2016. In its first year of trading it sold in excess of 13 million bars and over 25m bars in the second year. The Fulfil brand became one of Irelands top 50 brands. In late 2018 Niall and Tom agreed to sell their shareholding and set up the Cali Cali Foods brand, which is seeking to transform the healthy eating and snacking space by offering 100% Taste, 0% Guilt-free snacking and cooking products. In its 3rd year the brand is already on sale extensively in Ireland and has entered the UK, Australia and UAE. Niall is also currently involved in a variety of other entrepreneurial projects and startup companies as an investor, director and mentor.
Niall McGrath
Fulfil Nutrition
NIALL MCGRATH is an entrepreneur who has gained significant experience in the food & drinks industry over the last 20 years and is best known for Co-Founding of Fulfil Nutrition vitamin and protein bars and the Cali Cali Foods brands. Niall was the Marketing Director of Red Bull for the Richmond Marketing business and was short listed for Marketer of the Year in 2017.
CHARLES GARVEY is CEO of Metabolomic Diagnostics, an innovative medical diagnostics company developing technologies for the early detection of a woman’s risk of complications during her pregnancy. From 1990 to 2003 Charles was CEO of Horizon Technology Group which started life as a small Apple Computer reseller in Cork and grew into a large pan European IT group, listed on the Dublin and London stock exchanges and completing 13 acquisitions and disposals along the way. At its peak the group was worth over €1Billion and employed 720 people in 5 countries through 13 separate companies. The company was eventually sold to Avnet Inc in 2008. Charles was also previously CEO (now chairman) of NitroSell, an eCommerce company focussed on web enabling bricks and mortar retailers, predominantly in the USA. NitroSell’s technology seamlessly integrates in-store and online systems and has enabled their retailers to generate close to $1Billion in online sales to date.
Charles Garvey
Metabolomic Diagnostics
CHARLES GARVEY is CEO of Metabolomic Diagnostics, an innovative medical diagnostics company developing technologies for the early detection of a woman’s risk of complications during her pregnancy.
PHILIP MAGUIRE is the founder and CEO of I.T. Alliance Group. In his role as Group CEO, Philip encourages an entrepreneurial ethos across the organisation and believes the use of technology can facilitate better working practices and growth. He attributes much of his success to these factors and the company’s strong industry alliances. Philip is a member of the Institute of Engineers of Ireland and has a BSc in Electrical Engineering and an MBA from Trinity College, where he was awarded the John Goodman Prize for the best graduate on the programme. The Irish Management Institute also presented him with the Charles Harvey Award in 1991. Since the foundation of the Group in 1997, Philip has driven year-on-year growth. The Group now boasts an impressive 500+ workforce with solid industry partnerships including Microsoft, IBM and Dell.
Philip Maguire
Alliance Group
PHILIP MAGUIRE is the founder and CEO of I.T. Alliance Group. In his role as Group CEO, Philip encourages an entrepreneurial ethos across the organisation and believes the use of technology can facilitate better working practices and growth.
JOE O’SULLIVAN, is the founder and CEO of Ophir Mfg Solutions, a Singapore based company that provides Virtual Operations for both start up and mature companies introducing new technology, primarily in the wearables space. Joe has over 30 years of Global Operations, Manufacturing and Procurement experience. Joe held the positions of Vice President, Consumer Products & Asia Operations at Apple, COO at InFocus, and most recently COO at Intelligent Energy. Joe has built and led Operations and Supply Chain teams in Europe, USA and Asia.
Joe O'Sullivan
Ophir Mfg Solutions
JOE O’SULLIVAN, is the founder and CEO of Ophir Mfg Solutions, a Singapore based company that provides Virtual Operations for both start up and mature companies introducing new technology, primarily in the wearables space. Joe has over 30 years of Global Operations, Manufacturing and Procurement experience.
DAVID MCKERNAN, CEO & Founder of Java Republic, is a persistent, passionate and high-spirited entrepreneur. In 1999, he emerged from Bewley’s to found Java Republic Roasting Company. This innovative company quickly became one of Ireland’s most successful brands, and one of Europe’s leading coffee companies. Java Republic is notable for a distinctive vision: Premium, fresh handroasted coffee – with a conscience. Java Republic’s coffee has won multiple awards for taste and quality, while those who grow their coffee beans saw fairer prices, and improved living standards from direct aid and infrastructure projects. David has developed a reputation as a motivational speaker and campaigner for physical fitness as a driver for positive mental health. With nearly 12 years of success in Ireland, David is now focussing on bringing his unique brand of superb coffee and straight talking to an international audience.
David McKernan
Java Republic
DAVID MCKERNAN, CEO & Founder of Java Republic, is a persistent, passionate and high-spirited entrepreneur. In 1999, he emerged from Bewley’s to found Java Republic Roasting Company. This innovative company quickly became one of Ireland’s most successful brands, and one of Europe’s leading coffee companies.
BRENDAN NEVIN is an experienced Chair & CEO with extensive leadership skills operating at Board level for over 20 years. A proven track record across a range of Organizations and Markets in particular Customer led growth in complex, challenging businesses. He is Co-Founder & Chair of Code Institute, Europe’s leading provider of online software developer training. His most recent Executive role was as CEO of AA Ireland where he led a Private Equity backed MBO in 2016 and subsequent successful sale in 2020. Prior to that he held senior management roles, at Bank of Ireland, Eircom, Coca-Cola HBC, International Distillers and McVities Biscuits.
Brendan Nevin
Code Institute
BRENDAN NEVIN is an experienced Chair & CEO with extensive leadership skills operating at Board level for over 20 years. A proven track record across a range of Organizations and Markets in particular Customer led growth in complex, challenging businesses.
DAVE RONAYNE is Chief Executive of Irish Mainport Holdings. The Mainport Group is an integrated marine services company providing global shipping services to offshore oil & gas exploration companies and international seismic operators. Mainport has offices in Ireland, Scotland, South Africa, Norway, and the Caspian Sea area. Dave holds a Bachelor of Commerce and is a Chartered Accountant, is a past member of Cork Harbour Commissioners and he is currently a member of the IBEC Regional Council. Mainport opened up a new office in Luanda, Angola during 2011 to service the new emerging offshore oil opportunities. Dave was a finalist in the 2007 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year Award.
David Ronayne
Irish Mainport Holdings
DAVE RONAYNE is Chief Executive of Irish Mainport Holdings. The Mainport Group is an integrated marine services company providing global shipping services to offshore oil & gas exploration companies and international seismic operators.
DECLAN FOX, serial entrepreneur, technologist, digital marketer and business coach, co-founded Comnitel Technologies in 1999 and as CEO, grew the company from start-up, raising €30M from leading institutional investors. Comnitel later merged with a US Telco, and was acquired by IBM in 2007. Founder of Magellan Partners, a venture & entrepreneurial advisory consultancy, with a focus on innovative technology companies across different sectors. Co-Founded OmniVend, a successful network, revenue and service management company. Declan is actively involved with a number of high achieving early stage technology companies assisting them scale internationally.
Declan Fox
Comnitel
DECLAN FOX, serial entrepreneur, technologist, digital marketer and business coach, co-founded Comnitel Technologies in 1999 and as CEO, grew the company from start-up, raising €30M from leading institutional investors. Comnitel later merged with a US Telco, and was acquired by IBM in 2007.
DONAL GARRIHY co-founded 2468 (previously called Wild About Water) in 2003 to serve the Irish watercooler market. The business has grown rapidly in recent years both in terms of turnover and product range. Employing 90 people, the company is headquartered in Ireland with 80% of its sales in the UK. 2468 now serves 8,000 companies in Ireland and the UK offering a range of office services from coffee to water to washroom. It has recently established an Irish-based production facility to produce water and coffee products for its home markets as well as several European countries. Prior to 2468, Donal spent 10 years as Sales & Marketing Director EMEA for Oasis, the world oldest and largest watercooler manufacturer. From a greenfield site in Ireland established to serve the new European market, the business grew to 270 people serving 60 countries with subsidiary manufacturing in Poland.
Donal Garrihy
2468
DONAL GARRIHY co-founded 2468 (previously called Wild About Water) in 2003 to serve the Irish watercooler market. The business has grown rapidly in recent years both in terms of turnover and product range. Employing 90 people, the company is headquartered in Ireland with 80% of its sales in the UK.
MICHAEL HOYNE is founder of Merlyn Showering, a Kilkenny based Bathroom Company which specialises in premium shower enclosures and trays. Michael launched the company after years working in the bathroom industry and realised there was great potential for a progressive and innovative shower enclosure company to challenge the traditional, functional designs of other manufacturers. Since inception in 2000, Merlyn has grown to be the No.1 shower enclosure company in Ireland and the UK, is experiencing year-on-year growth of over 20%, employs over 75 people across the UK and Ireland and is considered to be one of the most progressive bathroom companies in Europe. Merlyn currently design ranges for customers throughout Ireland, UK, France, Russia and the Middle East. Michael Hoyne was a finalist in the EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2015.
Michael Hoyne
Merlyn Showering
MICHAEL HOYNE is founder of Merlyn Showering, a Kilkenny based Bathroom Company which specialises in premium shower enclosures and trays. Michael launched the company after years working in the bathroom industry and realised there was great potential for a progressive and innovative shower enclosure company to challenge the traditional, functional designs of other manufacturers.
FRANKIE WHELEHAN was a Student of Shannon College of Hotel Management. In 1996, Frankie, with Partners, purchased Morrison’s Island Hotel in Cork. In 1998, Frankie secured the Choice Hotel franchise for Ireland and developed the 4 Star Clarion Hotel Group, the 3 Star Quality Hotel Group and the budget Comfort Inn Group. Within 8 years, Choice Hotels Ireland grew to become the largest 3 Star and 4 Star Hotel Group in Ireland. In 2007 Choice Hotels Ireland successfully sold both the Quality Hotel Group and the Comfort Inn Groups. Choice Hotels Ireland now focuses its attention on the development of its Clarion Hotel Group here in Ireland and abroad having secured the rights to the Clarion Hotel Group Brand in the UK, Germany and Russia. This expansion has already commenced with the opening of a 212 bed roomed Hotel in Croydon, London. Frankie was a finalist in the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2005 Award.
Frankie Whelehan
Choice Hotels Ireland
FRANKIE WHELEHAN was a Student of Shannon College of Hotel Management. In 1996, Frankie, with Partners, purchased Morrison’s Island Hotel in Cork. In 1998, Frankie secured the Choice Hotel franchise for Ireland and developed the 4 Star Clarion Hotel Group, the 3 Star Quality Hotel Group and the budget Comfort Inn Group.
FRED KARLSSON realised he had an entrepreneurial streak early on when he began designing and selling video games at the age of 15 in his native Sweden. After completing a degree in computer science at Lund University, he worked for several well-known organisations including Dretech, Sony Ericsson, Sun Microsystems and IBM. He and his Irish wife, Geraldine, moved to Ireland in 2004 and founded DoneDeal.ie the following year. The company provides an online marketplace for people to buy or sell goods. In December 2005, five months after the website was launched, it carried more than 2,000 advertisements. Now the site facilitates the advertisement of over 60,000 new items a month, and more than 250,000 Irish people visit the web site every day. The company is now Ireland’s biggest classified website.
Fred Karlsson
DoneDeal.ie
FRED KARLSSON realised he had an entrepreneurial streak early on when he began designing and selling video games at the age of 15 in his native Sweden.
COLETTE TWOMEY and her husband Edward bought a butcher shop in Clonakilty in 1977 and founded Clonakilty Black Pudding. Included with the deeds of the shop was the recipe for black pudding. Making black pudding was a labour-intensive, time-consuming job, but customers adored it and it soon became apparent that the success of the butcher shop depended on this product. In the early years of the business, Colette set off with a van of produce, meeting shopkeepers and expanding the customer base as she went. The business expanded significantly after 1980 when Colette attended the Department of Food Sciences at UCC. Most of the marketing took place at agricultural shows, at Bord Bia tastings and at community events nationwide. The production plant was relocated incorporating access to ports for the expanding export markets.Colette Twomey was a finalist in the 2010 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year
Colette Twomey
Clonakilty Black Pudding
COLETTE TWOMEY and her husband Edward bought a butcher shop in Clonakilty in 1977 and founded Clonakilty Black Pudding. Included with the deeds of the shop was the recipe for black pudding.
GER O’MAHONY is an entrepreneur who has accumulated significant experience mainly in technology but also in other industry sectors. He has been involved in a number of successful technology start-ups including being the founder of the software business Engage Technologies Group and its subsequent sale to NorthgateArinso (a FTSE 250 company) and also being the co-founder of the networking systems integrator Bridgecom Group and its subsequent sale to Denis O’Brien’s Esat Telecom. He has completed funding rounds, identified and successfully completed and integrated company acquisitions and negotiated company disposals during this period. Recently Ger has focused on helping established technology companies to scale and grow both in Irish and International markets. These include the high growth businesses Action Point Technology Group and Voxpro Communications both of which have achieved revenue growth in excess of 50% year on year over the past three years.
Ger O'Mahony
Entrepreneur
GER O’MAHONY is an entrepreneur who has accumulated significant experience mainly in technology but also in other industry sectors.